GroundUp reports that workers in the Eastern Cape at Aspen Pharmacare, the country’s largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, have been on a protected strike since last week.  Their main demand is a 10% increase, while Aspen is offering 7%.  

The workers downed tools last week Thursday at factories in East London and Port Elizabeth and have been picketing outside the company’s premises.  According to Thulani Radasi, spokesperson for the SA Chemical Workers Union (Sacwu), nearly 1,200 people were on strike.  Workers who have been with the company for more than ten years are apparently still regarded as contract workers and Sacwu wants them to be employed full time and to be paid benefits from previous years.  The company’s Shauneen Beukes said the company was in discussions with the union.

• Read this report by Joseph Chirume in full at GroundUp

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